Raleigh, NC, August 15, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Mims Distributing Company, a North Carolina wholesale beverage distributor, has announced the addition of Arkenstone Vineyards to its expanding wine portfolio. The Napa Valley winery, located on the western slope of Howell Mountain in Angwin, California offers unique estate wines, which are produced entirely below ground in state-of-the-art wine caves.

Winemaker Sam Kaplan relies on gravity to move grapes from the vineyard very gently into subterranean fermenters during harvest to take advantage of the naturally occurring, consistent temperatures in the caves to optimally ferment and age the wines. Planted in 1998, Arkenstone’s 13-acre vineyard consists primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are cultivated using exclusively organic farming practices.

The Howell Mountain AVA (American Viticultural Area) is known for its tough growing environment, comprised of volcanic soils with an abundance of rock and a dry, temperate climate compared to the valley floor. This environment, however, results in concentrated and intensely flavorful fruits not found anywhere else in Napa Valley.

Since re-engaging in the wine business in October 2014, Mims Distributing has experienced steady growth, fueled by the addition of a 10-person team to manage the division. Mims Distributing’s winery partners bring the best wines from places such as Oregon, Washington, California, as well as Europe, South America and New Zealand to an increasing number of wine enthusiasts statewide.

Quotes:“North Carolina is a great market for fine wines from all over the world,” said Michael Gunnells, Vice President of Sales for Mims Distributing’s wine division. “Arkenstone Vineyards adds another outstanding winery to the ever-expanding selection of superior wines we have to offer.”

“We are delighted to bring our wines to North Carolina,” said Jake Krausz, Certified Sommelier and Estate Director at Arkenstone Vineyards. “The wine team at Mims has the depth of experience and knowledge we look for in distributing partners, so we are truly excited to serve Napa Valley wine in the state.”

About Mims Distributing:Mims Distributing Company, established in 1964 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a family-owned beer and wine distributor servicing the entire state of North Carolina. The company offers the MillerCoors brands that domestic beer fans enjoy, and maintains extensive knowledge of what’s brewing in the craft beer industry. These expert brew sellers share their passion for excellent beers on Tales from the Cask, a popular award-winning craft beer podcast covering everything from locally grown hops to seasonal ales and beyond. A proponent of the Triangle’s craft beer explosion, Mims Distributing offers favorites from AleSmith Brewing Company, Anchor Brewing, Carolina Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada Brewing, to name a few. Moreover, since re-engaging its wine division in October 2014, Mims has steadily grown its portfolio of world-class wines from regions including Napa Valley and Oregon. In addition to believing in the delicious beers and wines they sell, Mims Distributing is committed to supporting the local community, donating more than $60,000 in financial and in-kind donations to area nonprofits each year. A family-friendly company, Mims Distributing was the recipient of the 2013 and 2014 Carolina Parent Family-Friendly 50 award. Mims Distributing is also dedicated to sustainability as a way of life, and in 2013 was recognized with a Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women (TCREW) Champion Award in the Green and Sustainability category, as well as named a top three “green” Triangle business by Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. As always, Mims Distributing advocates for drinking in moderation. For more information, visit http://mimsdistributing.com.